Comparing Real Jesus vs. Republican Jesus

Despite what conservatives seem to think, millions of liberals and Democrats are Christians or believe in some version of God. In fact, I’ve often argued that the version of “Christianity” that Republicans actually worship has almost nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ – the key figure in Christianity.

It’s just never made a whole lot of sense how they can claim to be followers of the teachings of Christ while vilifying the poor, supporting greed and essentially worshiping violence with their irrational obsession with guns.

What the real Jesus said: Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Luke 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Now, what do Republicans say?

Well, one said we should let the poor “wither and die,” while the entire party pushed for billions in cuts to welfare programs, with the largest percentage of welfare recipients being children.

Greed:

Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

And what do Republicans do? Well, they oppose raising the minimum wage to help poor Americans feed their families while continually pushing for massive tax breaks for the rich. The truth is, they’ve built an entire economic ideology based on greed.

Abortion:

Ah, it seems Jesus never spoke on abortion – but we all know how most Republicans feel about the issue. I’ve still yet to have a have one of these anti-choice people explain to me why they don’t refer to a newborn baby as being 9 months old if life begins at conception.

Homosexuality:

Yet another topic about which Jesus Christ never spoke, though he did come to the defense of a woman guilty of adultery (a sin), saying to those judging her, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

So, I find it a bit difficult to believe that Jesus would come to the defense of a woman guilty of committing adultery, yet support those actively trying to judge and discriminate against homosexuals because they believe being gay is a sin.

Of course, many conservatives seem to believe Jesus would support public ridicule and discrimination against anyone who’s homosexual.

I could keep going, but I think I made my point.

While the Bible is full of all sorts of great, horrific and confusing passages, it’s mostly undeniable that the figure of Jesus Christ (even if you don’t believe he was a real person) is someone who represents hope, love, acceptance, generosity and helping those who cannot help themselves.

Allen Clifton is a native Texan who now lives in the Austin area. He has a degree in Political Science from Sam Houston State University. Allen is a co-founder of Forward Progressives and creator of the popular Right Off A Cliff column and Facebook page. Be sure to follow Allen on Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to his channel on YouTube as well.